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  • Writer: carolemarples
    carolemarples
  • Nov 14, 2025
  • 4 min read

Cozy Mystery Author Interview

I've started this blog as a means to connect with other authors and ultimately readers. I'm kicking off with a collection of interviews with cozy authors. Then I'll expand it to authors in different genres. When I get a few under my belt, I'm hoping to find some guinea pig readers.


The first interview is with me, so that I can test the questions.



Meet Carole Marples


For readers who might be new to your books, can you tell us a little about yourself and your cozy mystery series?

Hello, I’ve been writing and publishing for about three years. I'm just about to complete my first series, The Merang Mysteries, which is set in Yorkshire.

✍️ The Craft of Writing

How did you first discover and fall in love with the cozy mystery genre?

I’ve always been drawn to mysteries and started reading Agatha Christie’s as a child. I didn’t know ‘Cozy’ was a thing until about 5 years ago. We used the ‘cosy’ spelling back then in Britain, but that’s bitten the dust. It’s useful to have an umbrella term, but books in the genre can be wildly different.

Are you a plotter, or do you discover the story as you go along?

I’m a bit of both, but lean into the discovery side. When I start a book, I know who the murders is and the victim(s) but that’s it. How It unfolds and the characters that pop up are a complete surprise.

How do you keep your series fresh and maintain reader interest across multiple books?

In the Merang Mysteries, there is a complete story arc. It finishes at book 6, which I’m in the process of editing. I’ve also written a collection of related short stories, featuring Helen and Prue. I might do a Christmas special, but that will be it.
I’m sorry to see the characters go, but I didn’t want to get to the stage where I’m just dialling it in. I hope I’ve maintained reader interest by including a ‘will they or won’t they’ storyline.

What's the most challenging part of writing a cozy mystery (e.g., creating a believable amateur sleuth, crafting fair clues, avoiding gore)?

Crafting fair clues. I usually drop the clues in there somehow, and I always worry they stick out a mile. Some readers solve the mystery, and I’m happy about that. But that’s as long as some readers remain baffled until the end.

🏘️ Writing the Cozy Life

What are the essential ingredients for a truly great cozy mystery?

I’ll write them down as they pop into my mind: a small-town setting, a cast of quirky friends, a bakery, book shop, tea room, a cat or dog in there somewhere. An amateur sleuth. I’ve now drawn a blank, so I’m looking forward to the answers from other authors.

What qualities do you think your main character possesses that makes them an effective amateur detective?

Helen is nosy, but she would describe it as being interested in people.

How would you describe your sleuth in three words?

Nosy but nice. (I’m quite proud of being so succinct.)

Do you have a favourite side character who keeps sneaking into more scenes than planned?

I have two: Malcolm and Miss Peppercorn. The side characters are easier to write.

What’s your favourite method of killing your victims?

I don’t have a favourite method, as that would perhaps make me sound unhinged. In the cold light of day, answering this question could put you in a strait jacket or prison. (I’ve just Googled strait to check the spelling and noticed a strait jacket for sale. Who? I mean, Why? There’s a story in there.)
So far, I’ve gone for pedestrian methods of killing. I’m hoping to progress to the more exotic.


☕ Personal & Reader Connection

What's one real-life skill you learned or picked up while researching one of your books (e.g., baking, knitting, gardening)? Alternatively, what real-life skill(s) have you brought to your writing?

I used to own a confectionery shop and tea room, so I know what I’m talking about on that score.
I’ve not yet killed anyone, but I spend a lot of time thinking about it.

What is the best piece of writing advice you've ever received?

Write the next book.

What is the worst piece of writing advice you've ever received?

Write every day. You end up beating yourself up. Although, it’s difficult jumping back in after a gap.

What's one thing you want your readers to take away from your books, aside from a solved mystery?

A sense of belonging.

What's Next For You?

Can you share anything about your next project?

I’m currently writing Death She Typed. That’s book 1 in my new series, Teatime Crimes. I’m so used to my old Merang characters, I’m finding this a challenge, but am probably forgetting how difficult it was to start that series.

Where to Find Carole Marples

You can follow Carole and learn more about her books here:

 
 
 

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